CNA Classes & Programs in Albany, New York
Get Information from CNA Programs in Albany and Nearby
In Albany, 8 state-approved CNA classes are available to help students start their careers as Certified Nursing Assistants in New York’s capital city. Whether you’re new to healthcare or looking to advance your skills quickly, Albany offers options including free CNA classes and accelerated programs designed for efficient training.
CNA programs in Albany focus on preparing students for New York certification through classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice. Graduates can expect to gain practical experience that supports job readiness across multiple care settings. The city’s diverse facilities—including nursing homes and hospitals—give new CNAs access to a variety of employment environments after completing their training.
In the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metro area, CNAs earn around $38,710 annually—slightly below New York’s statewide figure. Program options such as free training make it easier for prospective CNAs to begin a rewarding healthcare career here.
Quick Facts About Albany
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Population99,692Residents
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CNA Programs7State-approved Programs
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Median Income$54,736Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$18.61Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$38,710Median Annual Salary
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Facilities12CMS Healthcare Facilities6 Nursing Homes • 4 Hospitals • 2 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Albany and Nearby
Schools in Albany and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Albany
Albany offers 8 CNA training programs that prepare students for New York certification and local employment where CNAs are needed. With options including free training programs and an accelerated class for those wanting a faster path to certification, these programs build essential skills required for state registry placement while supporting career growth in healthcare settings throughout Albany.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Albany through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Albany and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in Albany but are offered in other cities throughout New York.
Teresian House Nursing Home Co
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St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
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Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
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Practice 2 Perfect Training Center
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Mildred Elley School
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Hudson Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
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Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Albany
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$38,710Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$18.61Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs3,810CNA Positions
In the Albany-Schenectady-Troy region, approximately 3,810 certified nursing assistants are employed across various healthcare environments. Demand remains steady as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies seek qualified professionals throughout this metropolitan area.
The CNA salary in Albany reflects regional trends: In the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metro area, CNAs earn around $38,710 per year or $18.61 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This is somewhat lower than the statewide median of $45,890 but represents standard compensation levels for entry-level nursing roles locally.
Major local employers include St Margarets Center (92 beds), St Peters Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (160 beds), Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center (210 beds), Teresian House Nursing Home Co (302 beds), Hudson Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (169 beds), Albany Medical Center Hospital—a voluntary nonprofit acute care hospital—and St Peter's Hospital. VNA Home Health also provides home-based care services as a CMS-certified agency serving the region's needs.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Albany? Fill out one quick form to get program details and start dates from accredited schools in your area.
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Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Albany? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Schenectady, Troy, Guilderland, Clifton Park, and Utica, or browse the New York CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Albany (6 facilities)
6 nursing homes in Albany providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Daughters Of Sarah Nursing Center
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Hudson Park Rehabilitation And Nursing Center
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Albany (4 facilities)
4 hospitals in Albany offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
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Albany Medical Center Hospital
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Albany (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Albany providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Marquis Certified Home Care, Llc
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Albany, NY
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Albany, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by New York. These include completing a New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)–approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the New York Nurse Aide Competency Examination administered by Prometric, and being listed on the New York Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 100 total hours of training (70 classroom and skills lab hours, 30 supervised clinical hours in a licensed nursing home)
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
- Background screening per New York requirements
- Sequential testing structure: Must first pass the skills evaluation (five randomly selected skills, 31-40 minutes), then pass the knowledge test (60 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, 70% minimum score)
- Up to three attempts to pass skills, then three attempts to pass knowledge after passing skills; all testing within two years of completing training
- Placement on the New York Nurse Aide Registry maintained by NYSDOH
Once certified, you can work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Albany and across New York. CNAs must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing work within 24 months and pay a $40 renewal fee to maintain active certification.
Already certified in another state? New York offers registry-based reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who hold active certification in good standing and meet federal OBRA training standards. Additional documentation may be required. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in New York guide.
For complete details on training programs, testing procedures, renewal requirements, and maintaining active registry status, see our comprehensive CNA License & Registration in New York guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Albany
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Albany?
Most CNA programs in Albany can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Albany?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Albany?
Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Albany?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Albany?
Yes, some schools in Albany or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Albany there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Schenectady, Troy, Guilderland, Clifton Park, and Utica. You can also look at the New York state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the New York CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in New York, you must be added to the official state registry. See our New York CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Albany?
CNAs in Albany are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.